How crucial is the truth to a good harmonious society?

Did you believe in shooting stars and Santa Claus as a child? Obviously, one is true and the other is false. The belief felt real because it was reinforced by parents, stories, films, and the people around us. Yet the moment we discovered the truth, reality remained unchanged while our perception of it changed completely. We did not verify the evidence ourselves; we accepted the story because it came from those we trusted.

This reveals something fundamental about human societies: trust often precedes truth. Yet trust can only survive in the long run if it is ultimately anchored in reality.

So what significance does the truth actually have for society? The media, for example.

The times where the main priority was about telling the truth are long gone; the trend is increasingly toward selling a story to attract viewers, regardless of how much truth there is to be measured.

Truth plays an essential role in the stability of society. Citizens need access to accurate information in order to maintain trust in the institutions and individuals who provide it.

We trust that a doctor will offer a careful diagnosis and prescribe treatment that genuinely serves our health.

We trust that news organizations strive to report events accurately and fairly.

Yet mistakes can occur. What happens when a patient receives medication they do not actually need, or when a diagnosis is based on an incomplete or inaccurate assessment? Throughout history, many people — particularly the elderly and vulnerable — have experienced difficulties as a result of medical errors or misjudgments.

Similarly, questions can be raised about the accuracy of information presented in the media. To what extent do journalists act as seekers of truth, and to what extent are they simply tasked with conveying information as it is presented to them? These are important questions for any society that values trust and accountability.

According to the correspondence theory of truth, a statement is true when it accurately reflects reality. Truth exists independently of social norms, political views, religious beliefs, or personal opinions. While people may disagree about many things, reality itself remains unchanged. Because of this, truth possesses a unique power: it can help resolve misunderstandings and conflicts by providing a shared point of reference.

Truth can be compared to the root of a tree. When the root is healthy, what grows from it is more likely to be strong and enduring. In the same way, a foundation built on truth fosters trust, resilience, and stability. Whether among individuals, within a nation, or across the wider world, truth strengthens our ability to withstand challenges and uncertainty.

The truth not only has the potential to set us free; it also helps create a sense of security when our judgments, decisions, and public discussions are grounded in reality.

This requires decisions to be discussed and negotiated collectively on an ongoing basis.

How should we respond to crime? How do we address economic, social, and environmental challenges?

People often hold very different values and perspectives, but productive dialogue requires at least a shared foundation of facts.

When two partners cannot agree on what is actually happening, conversations can easily become disputes over competing interpretations of reality rather than focusing on what matters most: finding a solution to the problem.

There will always be individuals and groups who resist boundaries or seek to shape narratives in ways that serve their own interests. In some cases, information may be selectively presented or distorted, making it more difficult for people to develop a clear understanding of events and circumstances.

The truth is a frame that sets certain boundaries for the picture; it is the stark and shocking reality that establishes rules to prevent the invention of false narratives.

If an engineer relies on incorrect calculations, a bridge may become unsafe. If a doctor misdiagnoses an illness, the chosen treatment may fail to address the real problem. Likewise, when a society misunderstands the causes of its challenges, it will choose the wrong solution.

That is why progress is not about nice stories, but about insights that are actually needed — insights that help us overcome any difficulties, resist tough times, and make progress toward achieving every goal we set for ourselves.

The truth serves to inspire action and holds up a mirror to humanity.

Constructive dialogue depends, at least in part, on a willingness to reason together and engage with evidence. When people disagree about observable facts, the disagreement may arise from different information, different interpretations of that information, or differing levels of trust in the sources providing it.

But what happens when reality is deliberately obscured for personal, political, or economic gain?

Many observers argue that we are living in a “post-truth” era, a time in which narratives and emotional appeals can sometimes have a greater influence on public opinion than verified facts or statistical evidence. As a result, distinguishing between what is true and what is merely persuasive can become increasingly difficult.

Yet the existence of a false statement does not alter reality itself. If someone claims that it is raining while the sun is shining, the statement remains incorrect regardless of how many people accept it as true. Belief may shape perception, but it does not change the underlying facts.

For this reason, a commitment to evidence, open inquiry, and intellectual honesty remains essential. While people may disagree about the meaning of events or the best course of action, a shared respect for reality provides the foundation on which meaningful discussion and lasting solutions can be built.

The sun is gonna shine no matter what and for anybody.

It is something that can be manipulated however you want, but if you look up in the sky and see the sun, feel the sun’s warmth on your skin, need to squint the eyes due to its intense energy and your heart gets filled with joy and life; you will know. It is here for anybody. It takes up so much space and gives out so much light that it will never be insufficient for anyone.

Each body will receive enough sun forever.

Isn’t that beautiful enough? If you see it, feel it and therefore know it, then who cares what anyone says?